Mainers casting ballots in the general election this fall may notice that there is no option to vote for the secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer or state auditor.

Instead, their selection is left to lawmakers. Maine is the only state in the nation to elect all of these key positions through a joint legislative session, a process that is written into the state Constitution. The process occurs in early December, after Maine’s 186 representatives are sworn into office, which this year is set to happen on Dec. 2. 

Lawmakers typically cast a secret ballot to elect people to these roles as one of their first orders of business.

The secretary of state, attorney general and state treasurer are all constitutional officers, positions that were created when the original state Constitution took effect in 1820. The state auditor position was created in 1907.

For over a century, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have periodically introduced bills to change the way these officers are elected, suggesting instead a statewide popular vote or appointment by the governor, as is the case for these positions in many other states. 

Changing the state’s constitution would require approval by two-thirds of the members in both chambers, as well as approval by a majority of voters. 

Bids for these positions are often publicly announced ahead of the joint session, and each party meets behind closed doors to nominate their candidates. The Legislature then meets in a joint session to vote on each candidate. Salaries for these positions are determined by the Legislative Council, a body of ten elected members of legislative leadership.

The four positions are often filled by individuals who were previously part of the Legislature and who belonged to the majority party in the State House at the time of their selection, according to Maine Monitor analysis. Currently, all four roles are held by Democrats who previously served in one or both chambers.

This year, legislators may have the opportunity to make selections for all four roles. While Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Treasurer Joseph Perry are both up for reelection, lawmakers will need to elect a new attorney general to replace Aaron Frey, who is term-limited. State auditor Matt Dunlap’s current term is set to expire in 2029, but he is running to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District and could give up that seat earlier depending on the outcome of that race. 

Secretary of state

The secretary of state is responsible for running state elections and acting as Maine’s chief record keeper, documenting all official acts of the executive and legislative branches of state government. The office also runs the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The secretary cannot serve more than four consecutive two-year terms. 

Shenna Bellows currently serves as the Maine Secretary of State. Bellows represented the state’s 14th Senate district in the Legislature before being elected as secretary of state in 2020 — the first woman to hold the office. Last year, Bellows made $178,402 from her salary and benefits, according to data from the Office of the State Controller. Bellows is seeking her fourth and final legislative appointment for the position this December. 

Attorney general

The attorney general is the chief lawyer for the state, representing Maine and its agencies in court. The attorney general prosecutes homicides and other major crimes, consults with and advises Maine’s elected district attorneys, and, when requested, gives written opinions of legal matters to the governor, Legislature or state agencies. The attorney general’s office currently has 135 full-time attorneys. Maine’s attorney general is also a member of the Baxter State Park Authority, tasked with overseeing the park.

The attorney general must be in good standing of the Maine bar and cannot serve more than four consecutive two-year terms. 

Aaron Frey has served as Maine’s attorney general since his appointment in 2018, and is finishing his last term as attorney general. Previously, Frey was a representative in the state House of Representatives. Last year, his compensation as attorney general totaled $227,050. 

Treasurer

The state treasurer is charged with collecting, investing and recording the state’s money. The treasurer manages state investments to provide for infrastructure projects, historic preservation and more. The office also manages Maine’s debt, selling voter-authorized bonds in the marketplace. 

The treasurer cannot serve more than four consecutive two-year terms and must provide a $500,000 bond as a guarantee they will faithfully execute their duties.

Joseph Perry is finishing his first term as Maine’s state treasurer after being elected by the Legislature in 2024. He previously served as a representative in both chambers of the Legislature. In 2025, his compensation totaled $148,780, including salary and benefits.

Auditor

The state auditor is responsible for examining all state financial records and presenting findings to the Legislature in an annual report. The auditor determines if the state’s funds were spent legally. 

The state auditor serves a term of four years. The auditor cannot serve more than two consecutive four-year terms and must hold a certification in accounting, auditing or financial analysis or hold a degree in business for finance, per a law passed in 2025. 

Matt Dunlap was elected by the Legislature to become state auditor in 2020, but was forced to resign after failing certification exams required to hold the office. He was replaced by Jacob Norton. Dunlap later met the certification requirements and was reelected to the auditor post, and has served as state auditor since 2022. 

He previously served as the Maine secretary of state and a representative in the State House. His compensation as auditor last year was $196,977. Dunlap’s current term as auditor is set to end in 2029. He is running as a Democrat to represent Maine’s 2nd Congressional District against Republican Paul LePage.

This story was originally published by The Maine Monitor, a nonprofit civic news organization. To get regular coverage from The Monitor, sign up for a free Monitor newsletter here.